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English Cocker Spaniel Characteristics

Remember: Dogs are individuals and not all dogs, even those of the same breed, will exhibit all the same qualities.

Care

Personality

Adaptability

Social Life

Exercise Needs

Couch PotatoStar Athlete

Health Issues

Few Known Health IssuesMany Known Health Issues

Grooming Needs

Minimal GroomingExtensive Grooming

Training Needs

Requires Minimal TrainingRequires a Lot of Training

Shedding Level

Sheds a LittleSheds a Lot

English Cocker Spaniel Appearance

The English Cocker Spaniel breed is a heavenly vision in canine form with long satiny fur and swinging ears that sway to their rhythm. As a sporting dog (a dog bred to work with hunters), the English Cocker has a compact build and a swift gait. The icing on this pup-cake is a graceful neck and sweet tail that never seems to idle.

Ears:

English Cocker Spaniel ears lie close to the head and are covered with long silken fur that may be straight or slightly wavy.

Eyes:

English Cocker Spaniel eyes are medium in size, a bit oval in shape and dark brown or hazel.

Nose:

Their nose is rounded and black, though it could be brown in liver or parti-colored dogs.

Coat Length:

The English Cocker's coat is medium length. It may be flat or wavy and is silky smooth to the touch.

Coat Color:

English Cocker Spaniel colors vary quite a bit, from solid black, liver (brown) or red shades to parti-colored pups with white, black, liver and red markings.

Tail:

The AKC breed standard allows for the tail to be docked or undocked/calls for the tail to be docked. Docking involves cutting a portion of the dog’s tail off when they are puppies. Veterinary groups along with many U.S. states and countries have banned this procedure due to medical and behavioral reasons. If you are interested in this procedure, schedule a consultation with your veterinarian.

English Cocker Spaniel Temperament

The English Cocker Spaniel’s temperament is delightful—this little pup is eager to learn and please. With a playful personality and loads of smarts, an English Cocker pup gets along well with other dogs in the home and can even mix with cats.Sweet English Cocker Spaniels are great with kids and are not huge barkers, so they’re easy to have in small homes and apartments. Your neighbor won’t bang on the wall to complain. Instead, she’ll ask to come over and pet your pretty pooch!Still, as with all dogs, early socialization is a must. If you start early, you’ll get your pup used to their new environment, which means they’ll react in a friendly way in unfamiliar situations, with strangers and other canines. The English Cocker Spaniel puppy is typically easy to train since they’re motivated to please and intelligent.A member of the Sporting group of dogs, the English Cocker Spaniel worked alongside bird hunters to flush game from dense underbrush. So, playing fetch in the backyard is a walk in the park for this energetic animal. First-time pet parents won’t struggle much to teach and train their English Cocker Spaniel puppy—their can-do attitude makes learning a pleasure.

How to Care for a English Cocker Spaniel

Grooming

We won’t lie: English Cocker Spaniel grooming needs are more intense than those of other breeds. But if you love playing “doggy salon,” this pet is for you. As high shedders, a thorough brushing with a pin or slicker brush, then following up with a comb at least once a week, can detangle your English Cocker’s profuse coat and keep mats from forming (and keep your pup show-ring ready). Trimming your dog’s fur around the face, neck, feet, ears and tail each month is also part of raising an English Cocker Spaniel, but you can leave this to your groomer if you prefer. Check your pup’s long ears weekly for excess wax and debris, as they may drag on the ground and get dirtier than other body parts. A monthly nail trim and a once-a-month bath are sufficient for the English Cocker Spaniel dog, though if yours works on a farm or in a different dusty location, weekly might be necessary. Last up, oral health! Yup, dogs need their teeth brushed daily, so ask your vet for tips on how to brush a dog’s teeth. (Check out our how-to guide here.) You should also schedule your English Cocker Spaniel dog for an annual professional teeth cleaning by the vet. Close

Training

An English Cocker Spaniel’s training isn’t a struggle, as this intelligent, responsive breed is happy to learn every trick in the book. Pet parents can use the English Cocker’s motivation and good nature to their advantage as long as positive reinforcement is part of the plan. (Positive reinforcement uses treats, praise and special play breaks to reward the pup for their excellent work.) Keep training treats and a calm voice handy, or you’ll have trouble inspiring your spaniel. The goal: Get your little pup to love and respect you, and a rock-solid temperament and social skills will be your reward. You can also tap into your English Cocker Spaniel’s nose power—they once worked as bird dogs for hours in the field. One way is to encourage training games and activities that allow your English Cocker to sniff out their rewards. Close

Diet

The best English Cocker Spaniel food is a complete and balanced, high-quality commercial diet. Opt for a formula that matches your English Cocker’s stage in life (puppy, adult, senior). Need help with a feeding chart or measurements? Your veterinarian can help craft a guide to determine how much and how often to feed your dog based on their diet. You can provide English Cocker Spaniels with a home-cooked regimen if your vet okays the nutritional content. Treats are acceptable as a training enticement, but too many can cause obesity in this small dog breed. Make sure all those dog treats you dole out during training (or just because!) are accounted for when you’re working out how much to feed your pup daily. And don’t be tempted to feed your pup from the dinner table. Human foods, especially bones and fatty items, aren’t good for them, and some may be dangerous. Consult your vet if you have any questions about your pup’s mealtime plan. They can help you choose the proper food for your pup based on their unique needs. Close

Exercise

Ready to run and play? Great! Because this dog requires regular exercise. An English Cocker Spaniel’s love of exercise is well-known, and their energy levels are moderate, so active owners are a good match with this breed. Aim to walk your pup a couple of times a day for 30 to 45 minutes and work some games into your physical routine, totaling about an hour. Keep your pup on a leash when you’re out and about so you can control their hunting instincts (a fenced yard is also great for this pup). Hikes and long walks on the beach are also smart exercise options for this canine. Looking for a jogging partner? The English Cocker Spaniel has a moderate speed, so they’ll do well on a few weekly jogs. You and your pup might enjoy dog sports like obedience or tracking if you’re a bit competitive. English Cocker Spaniel’s traits include a love of nose work, which means using their sniffer to track scents and smells can be a source of entertainment and exercise. For example, you can fill a KONG toy with something delicious, then hide it in the yard. spritz chicken broth (one with no onions or garlic) from a spray bottle to mark an aromatic trail to a jackpot of toys. Close

Environment

Affectionate by nature, the English Cocker Spaniel makes a fine family pet as they’re known to be good with kids, and they get along well with other dogs and even cats in the home. The English Cocker Spaniel breed can live happily in large and small homes in rural or urban areas, provided they receive the required amount of exercise. First-time pet parents will enjoy bringing up an English Cocker, especially if they have a playful attitude. Tossing a ball in the backyard or strolling in the park to show off their most excellent coat are two activities both pet parents and their dog will enjoy. Close

English Cocker Spaniel Health

English Cocker Spaniels have a lifespan of 12 to 14 years, but as with any breed, they’re prone to some health issues. Some are genetic, and responsible breeders will perform genetic screening testing when possible.

Ear Infections: Because the English Cocker’s ears are so long and floppy, they may drag and collect dirt and debris, which could lead to an infection. Check the ears weekly and note any signs of pain, such as whining, head shaking, odor, or crustiness. Your vet may prescribe a special ear cleanser and/or topical or oral medication to treat the infection. Hip Dysplasia

English Cocker Spaniel History

As some of the oldest dogs in the American Kennel Club’s Sporting group, spaniels, along with setters, pointers, and retrievers, were bred to assist bird hunters, primarily those hunting grouse and woodcock. The English Cocker Spaniel’s history originated in England and was developed hundreds of years ago from dogs with Spanish roots—hence the name “spaniel,” which comes from the word “Spanish.”
Each of the various spaniel types had their own role to perform during the bird hunt, including water and land spaniels, springer spaniels, and field spaniels. English Springer Spaniels and Cocker Spaniels were originally the same dog. Springers were the larger pups of the litter and were used to spring (flush) birds from the brush. The English Cocker Spaniels were the smaller pups of the litter, and their mission was to flush out woodcock, a quail-like bird, from its hiding place in dense thickets.
In the early 20th century, American breeders decided to create their own Cocker Spaniel, albeit a smaller one with a rounded, shorter head and a more lavish coat. In 1946, the AKC recognized the American Cocker Spaniel and the English Cocker as separate breeds.
Today’s English Cocker has left birding behind and lives the good life as a popular family pet. The AKC lists breeder information if you’d like to purchase an English Cocker Spaniel breed. English Cocker Spaniel puppy prices typically run between $1,200 and $1,500. But for that price, you’re likely getting a pup who’s been screened for health and temperament issues and may come with pedigree papers. You can also contact the English Cocker Spaniel Club of America for information on rescuing a pup, watch for the breed at your local shelter.

FAQs

What is the difference between English and American Cocker Spaniels?

The difference between the English Cocker Spaniel and the American Cocker Spaniel comes down to their size, head shape and the amount of fur they have. American Cockers were developed as a smaller companion to the English dog breed with a shorter head, a rounded skull and a more abundant coat. In 1946, the AKC recognized English and American Cockers as separate breeds.

How long do English Cocker Spaniels live?

English Cocker Spaniels live, on average, between 12 and 14 years, which means a puppy can grow up to become a faithful pal for your children from kindergarten through high school.

Are English Cocker Spaniels good family dogs?

Yes, the English Cocker Spaniel makes a wonderful family pet, especially if they’re socialized early. As an easy-to-train breed, this canine cutie is also quite friendly and gets along well with children and other animals in the home.

Do English Cocker Spaniels bark a lot?

An English Cocker Spaniel’s barking level is moderate—so this pup won’t be the loudest in the dog run. Still, every animal lets out a yip or three when startled or excited, so stick to consistent training to modulate your English Cocker’s barking tendency.

Do English Cocker Spaniels shed?

Yes, English Cocker Spaniels shed a lot. With such a profuse coat comes a high level of shedding, so be ready to brush your English Cocker Spaniel every week or more to maintain the glossy sheen and remove knots and matted fur.

What are the most common English Cocker Spaniel mixes?

English Cocker Spaniel-Poodle mix English Cocker Spaniel-Golden Retriever mix English Cocker Spaniel-Labrador mix

english cocker spaniel

Temperament

Weight

Height

Life Expectancy

Maintenance Level

Friendliness

Coat Color